Convert FLAC to MKV

Understanding FLAC and MKV file formats

FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) is an audio file format known for compressing audio without any loss in quality. It is widely used for high-fidelity music archiving and playback. MKV (Matroska Video) is a flexible multimedia container format that can hold video, audio, subtitles, and metadata in a single file. While MKV is primarily used for video, it can also store audio-only content, making it a versatile choice for multimedia storage.

Why convert FLAC to MKV?

Converting FLAC to MKV is useful when you want to combine high-quality audio with video or subtitles, or simply need a container format compatible with a wider range of media players and devices. MKV files can also be used to organize multiple audio tracks and metadata efficiently.

How to convert FLAC to MKV

To convert FLAC to MKV, you need a tool that can wrap the FLAC audio stream into an MKV container. This process does not re-encode the audio, so there is no loss in quality. Here are the steps using the recommended software:

Best software: MKVToolNix

• MKVToolNix is a free, open-source tool designed specifically for creating and editing MKV files. It supports adding FLAC audio tracks directly into an MKV container.

Steps to convert using MKVToolNix

1. Download and install MKVToolNix from the official website.
2. Open MKVToolNix GUI.
3. Click Add source files and select your FLAC file.
4. Choose the output folder and filename for your MKV file.
5. Click Start multiplexing to begin the conversion.

The resulting MKV file will contain your original FLAC audio, preserving its quality and metadata.

Alternative converters

• ffmpeg: A command-line tool that can also wrap FLAC audio into an MKV container. Use the command: ffmpeg -i input.flac -c copy output.mkv
• Online converters: Some web-based tools can perform this conversion, but for best quality and control, desktop software is recommended.

Conclusion

Converting FLAC to MKV is straightforward with tools like MKVToolNix and ffmpeg. This process preserves audio quality and allows for flexible multimedia storage and playback.